Colorado Gems Report Over 1 Million Skier Visits

September 19, 2003

Posting an impressive 22.6 percent increase over 2001-2002

Denver, Colo., Sept. 17, 2003… The Colorado Gems ski resorts were visited by more skiers in 2002-2003 than any other season, posting an impressive 22.6 percent increase in skier visits over 2001-2002 according to Colorado Ski Country USA.

The Colorado Gems – Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Ski Cooper, SolVista and Sunlight – totaled 1,009,463 total skier visits during the 2002-03 season, accounting for 8.7 percent of all skier visits in Colorado. This season’s Colorado Gems skier visits were 1,439 more than the 1997-98 season, the previous season with the most skier visits.

The increase demonstrates the Gems’ surge in popularity as Front Range skiers and riders seek out an alternative mountain experience. The increase in skier visits may also be credited to their affordability and their unique charm and allure.

“As market factors reduce discretionary income, the affordability, convenience and back to basics appeal of the Gems is attracting more skiers and riders,” said Kevin Wright, Loveland marketing director.

In addition, CSCUSA’s Gems Card promotion may have contributed to the increase in visits. The Gems Card provides discounts up to $10 on adult lift tickets and $5 off child and senior lift tickets at Gems ski areas and gives skiers the opportunity to win the Grand Prize for skiing at all seven Gems. The Grand Prize includes a CSCUSA Gold Pass for the following season, two United Airlines tickets, a year supply of Pepsi and a Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza Party.

CSCUSA’s Gold Pass offers pass holders unlimited skiing and riding at all 24 CSCUSA resorts throughout the entire 2003-2004 season with no black-out dates and it is completely transferable currently on sale for $2,500.